Preparing for an Assistant video interview

The vast majority of recruitment agencies and employers now use video as part of their interview process, because it saves time and money on the early stages of the interview process. In our recent interview with Hayley Lawrence, PA for the Regional General Manager on Necker Island, she told us that she had to submit a video before the interview rounds for her new role. Video interviews are not going anywhere, in fact, they are only going to become more popular so if you are looking to find a new position you will have to think about how you want to present yourself on video. Here are a few tips on preparing for an Assistant video interview.

Preparing for an Assistant video interview

Surroundings

Make sure you are somewhere quiet, so you can be heard clearly and won’t be disturbed. Check what’s behind you and that the background is interview-appropriate. Move anything you don’t want a potential employer to see out of shot. It is probably not a great idea to do the video interview in your current office, but if you have to, make sure it doesn’t look like you are in your current office – put your chair against a plain white wall rather than a glass wall, or anywhere you can see company logos and branding.

Dress the part

First impressions count, so use this opportunity to make a great one! Office dress codes vary from sharp suits to jeans and shirts, but you want to look professional and presentable. Just because you’re not in front of the person conducting the interview, you shouldn’t dress down. Instead, where what you would wear for a physical meeting. It will help you to feel like you are in an interview setting even if you are on the sofa in your home.

Lighting

The easiest way to make sure the lighting’s good is to sit facing a window, with your phone or computer in front of you. If you are going to sit in front of a window, make sure whatever is behind you is neat and tidy.

Practice

Practice with your webcam and your microphone set up. Make sure that everything works well, and you know what you are doing before the interview starts. When you are doing the interview talk naturally and, if you can, without notes. Look at the person interviewing you rather than off into the distance or at yourself on camera. Make sure you rehearse your set up, using Zoom or Skype so that everything is working correctly and you sound and look fantastic. Remember you can record yourself, watch yourself back, and make any changes if you need to.

Preparing for the Perfect PA Role

We cover all aspects of looking for a new Assistant role in our eBook, Preparing for the Perfect PA Role, including a few tips on what you should do once you land your new job and work with a new Executive. Download the book here.